Methods and systems for business-to-business sourcing services

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for providing automated interactive marketing systems that enable buyers to be connected to sellers meeting the requirements of the buyers and sellers to be connected with buyers whose needs match the sellers&#39; capabilities.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/214,857 filed Jun. 28, 2000 entitled “Method andSystems for Business-to-Business Sourcing Services.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The preferred embodiments of this invention relate to methods andsystems for worldwide sourcing services and facilitating transactionsfor business-to-business commerce.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The preferred embodiments of the invention utilize the worldwideweb to provide automated interactive marketing systems that enableimmediate access to Sellers worldwide that meet a Buyer's requirements.Buyers are connected with Supplier-Sellers from all around the world whocan meet the precise requirements of the Buyer. Sellers are connectedwith Buyers from all around the world whose needs precisely match theSeller's capabilities.

[0004] A significant feature of the preferred embodiments of theinvention is that the Buyer needs only to enter a request for quote(RFQ) and the systems and methods of this invention automaticallyconnect the Buyer to Sellers having the capability to produce the itemspecified in the RFQ. The result is efficient and effective sourcingthroughout the world.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005]FIG. 1 illustrates the global coverage provided by the preferredembodiments of the invention for Buyers.

[0006]FIG. 2 illustrates the global coverage provided by the preferredembodiments of the invention for Sellers.

[0007]FIG. 3 is an overall block diagram illustrating the manner inwhich multiple databases provide a Unique Community Identifier (UCI) foreach Buyer and Seller.

[0008]FIG. 4a is an overall flowchart from the Buyer's side.

[0009]FIG. 4b is an overall flowchart from the Seller's side.

[0010]FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the comparison of the Seller'sUCI with RFQs stored in the RFQ database.

[0011]FIG. 6 illustrates the data included in the UCI-CompanyMetrics-General database;

[0012]FIG. 7 is an illustrative example of a flow chart for UCI-CompanyMetrics-Member Capability Edits;

[0013]FIG. 8 illustrates the data collected and stored for UCI-CompanyDefault Settings;

[0014]FIG. 9 illustrates the data collected and stored for theUCI-Company Default Settings-Supplier Selection-Preferred Vendor List;

[0015]FIGS. 10a and 10 b illustrate the data collected and stored forthe UCI-Company Default Settings-Supplier Selection-Exclude Vendor List;

[0016]FIG. 11 illustrates the data collected and stored for UCI-PersonalUser Metrics-General;

[0017]FIG. 12 illustrates the data collected and stored for UCI-PersonalUser Metrics-New Member Training;

[0018]FIG. 13 illustrates the data collected and stored for UCI-PersonalUser Metrics-New Member Testing;

[0019]FIG. 14 illustrates the data collected and stored for UCI-PersonalUser Metrics-Proprietary Rating System-Buyer;

[0020]FIG. 15 illustrates the data collected and stored for UCI-PersonalUser Metrics-Proprietary Rating System-Seller;

[0021]FIG. 16 illustrates the data gathered and stored for UCI-PersonalUser Metrics-User “Best Value” Criteria;

[0022]FIGS. 17a and 17 b illustrate the data gathered and stored for theUCI-Personal User Metrics-Supplier Selection-Preferred Vendor List;

[0023]FIG. 18 illustrates the data collected and stored for theUCI-Personal User Metrics-Supplier Selection-Exclude Vendor List;

[0024]FIG. 19 illustrates the data collected and stored for UCI-PersonalUser Metrics-Buyer Basic Purchase Criteria;

[0025]FIG. 20 illustrates the data collected and stored for UCI-PersonalUser Metrics-Member Usage Options;

[0026]FIG. 21 illustrates the data collected and stored for UCI-PersonalUser Metrics-Buyer Default Options for Seller Qualifications;

[0027]FIG. 22 illustrates the data collected and stored for UCI-PersonalUser Metrics-Seller Default Options for Buyer Qualifications;

[0028]FIG. 23 illustrates the data collected and stored for UCI-PersonalUser Metrics-Don't Show Feature;

[0029]FIG. 24 illustrates the data collected and stored forUCI-Supervisory Detail;

[0030]FIG. 25a illustrates the data collected and stored forUCI-Security Data;

[0031]FIG. 25b illustrates the data collected and stored forUCI-Security Data, Company Administration;

[0032]FIG. 26 is a flow chart illustrating the user's capability tochange profile data easily and effectively;

[0033]FIG. 27 is a flow chart illustrating the manner in which companyprofile data is edited;

[0034]FIG. 28 is an exemplary screen shot of an illustrative bidhistory;

[0035]FIG. 29 is an exemplary screen shot of Bid Detail available toBuyers;

[0036]FIG. 30 is a flow chart illustrating the manner in which Buyersrate Sellers;

[0037]FIG. 31 is a flow chart illustrated this manner in which Sellersrate Buyers;

[0038]FIG. 32 is a flow chart illustrating the manner in which the RFQHistorical Database is used by Sellers to locate Buyers of similarcomponents;

[0039]FIG. 33 is a flow chart illustrating the manner in which the RFQHistorical Database is used by Sellers to review historical pricing forsimilar components;

[0040]FIG. 34 is a flow chart illustrating the manner in which the RFQHistorical Database is used by Buyers to locate Sellers of similarcomponents;

[0041]FIG. 35 is a flow chart illustrating the manner in which the RFQHistorical Database is used by Buyers to review global historicalpricing for similar components;

[0042]FIGS. 36a and 36 b are flow charts illustrating the manner inwhich a Buyer posts a request for quote (RFQ);

[0043]FIG. 37 is a flow chart illustrating the manner in which aphotograph of a component is archived;

[0044]FIG. 38 is a flow chart illustrating the manner in which part andprocess descriptions are stored for each component;

[0045]FIG. 39 is a flow chart showing the listing of RFQs for Buyers;

[0046]FIG. 40 is a flow chart illustrating the listing of available RFQsfor Sellers;

[0047]FIG. 41 is an exemplary screen shot showing a Seller the open RFQsavailable for bidding;

[0048]FIG. 42 is a flow chart illustrating the notification of bidclosure;

[0049]FIG. 43 is a chart illustrating the information stored in themember profile;

[0050]FIG. 44 is a flow chart illustrating targeted advertising tomembers meeting specific criteria;

[0051]FIG. 45 is a flow chart illustrating the collection of data into aMember Usage History Database;

[0052]FIG. 46 is a flow chart illustrating the manner in which certainmember data is verified; and

[0053]FIG. 47 is a flow chart illustrating membership tracking.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0054] The methods and systems of the preferred embodiments of thisinvention provide global coverage for both Buyers and Sellers. By way ofexample, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a single Buyer 100 located in theU.S.A. can instantly send out a request for quote (RFQ) for manufactureof a component 102 all over the world. However, as described below, thisRFQ is not “broadcast” to a general group of Sellers. Rather, the arrows104 are directed only to Sellers having the specific capability toproduce component 102. In the preferred embodiments, the member Sellershave the option of having an email “Notice of New RFQ” sent to them eachtime an RFQ is submitted for which they are a qualified Seller.

[0055] Each member Seller can, by a few clicks (typically two) into thesystem web site, view open RFQs. As depicted in FIG. 2, a qualifiedSeller 110 can instantly view all open RFQs that the system hasautomatically determined that Seller 110 meets all of the particularcriteria selected by one or more Buyers (illustrated by arrows 112). Asshown, each Buyer 112 has a particular component 114, 116, 118, 120 and122 for which the respective Buyers are desirous of receiving quotationsfrom qualified Sellers.

[0056] The multiple function provided by the systems and methods of thisinvention are illustrated in FIG. 3. This figure illustrates the overallblock diagram of the system. Multiple databases 130 (described below)store data collected from member Buyers and Sellers. Such data includes:Company Metrics, Company Default Settings, Personal User Metrics,Supervisory Detail, Security Data. Each member's Capabilities andCapacities are defined.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 3, Buyers post Request for Quotes (RFQ) to thesystem web site 140. The RFQ data entry is illustrated in FIGS. 36a and36 b and includes Buyer requirements for the Seller, ContractSpecifications, Drawings, Specifications, and Component Photographs.Buyers have the option of using only their Preferred Vendors, acombination of Global Vendors and the Preferred Vendors, or GlobalVendors. The system also accommodates the use of a Vendor ExclusionList. Buyers can select Exclude Geographic Areas for potential Sellers.

[0058] Each RFQ advantageously contains photo(s) of the componentlisted. See the flow chart of FIG. 37. A “File Photo” can be used if apicture is not available. The system also maintains a large database ofcomponent photographs that can be used to indicate a similar part.

[0059] A feature of this invention is that it greatly facilitatesinternational sourcing of goods by reducing the confusion inherent indifficult naming conventions. Thus, items such as screws, bolts,fasteners, wood screws, machine screws, carriage bolts are all similarproducts. This system provides photos with product listings to reduceconfusion. As shown in FIG. 38, major manufacturing processes are listedfor each component to aid in the manufacturing process description inthe RFQ.

[0060] The system automatically returns a list of potential Sellers. TheBuyer then has the opportunity to Select or Deselect Sellers. Submittingthe Supplier List makes the RFQ immediately available to all SelectedSellers.

[0061] Sellers can efficiently review the RFQs and make decisions toQuote or not Quote. Sellers can easily view the RFQ, ContractSpecifications, Drawings, and Specifications online. Sellers can thendownload the RFQ, Contract Specifications, Drawings, and Specifications.

[0062] Bidding is done online. The Seller has access to competitorpricing via a real time pricing chart. Bids are easily entered. The BidProcess is simple and effective. A Bid calculator is provided on the“Bid Detail” page of the Web site. New bid prices can be directly inputor price may be calculated as a percentage above or below the currentlowest price. Prices may be changed at any time during the quotationperiod. A bid may also be canceled at any time.

[0063] The Buyer has access to all pricing as well as Sellerinformation. Seller information includes the Seller's Profile, QualityRating Data, and a link to the Seller's Web Page.

[0064] All Bid Data is stored in the RFQsolutions Historical Library.This database facilitates marketing research and targeted advertisingand marketing.

[0065] The bidding data collected from Buyers and Sellers are discussedin detail below and are advantageously quite detailed such that thecriteria collected provides a Unique Community Identifier (UCI) for eachBuyer and Seller.

[0066] A flowchart depicting the overall operation of the systems andmethods of a preferred embodiment of the invention from the Buyer's sideis illustrated in FIG. 4a. As illustrated, a plurality of databasesstore the information for interested qualified Sellers with RFQs postedby Buyers. These databases include a UCI Database 150, RFQ Database 152,Member Database 154, Proprietary Rating Database 156, and HistoricalDatabase 158.

[0067] A flowchart depicting the overall operation of the systems andmethods of a preferred embodiment of the invention from the Seller'sside is illustrated in FIG. 4b.

[0068] The UCI Database 150 is designed to be a very comprehensivedatabase of manufacturing companies worldwide including their salesvolumes, process capabilities and industries and markets served. FIGS.6, 8, 9, 10 a, 10 b, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 a, 17 b, 18, 19, 20, 21,22, 23, 24, 25 a, 25 b, illustrate in detail the data collected in thepreferred embodiments of the invention.

[0069]FIGS. 7, 26, 27 are flow charts illustrating editing of the storeddata.

[0070]FIG. 5 depicts the manner in which a Seller in the UCI Database150 is compared with the RFQs stored in the RFQ Database 152 to producea listing of all RFQs that match the Seller's Capabilities. A flow chartshowing the RFQ seller function is illustrated in FIG. 40. Arepresentative screen shot showing the Open Job Listing made availableto a qualified Seller, with photographs of the components, isillustrated in FIG. 41. Similar screen shots are made available for theBuyers as illustrated by FIG. 35.

[0071] In the preferred embodiments, the Sellers have real time pricedata available for each RFQ. Advantageously, the dynamic pricing modelprovides the following information:

[0072] Buyers see:

[0073] All Pricing in Chart Form

[0074] All Seller's complete Profile

[0075] All Seller's Quality Ratings

[0076] All Seller's Web sites

[0077] All tariffs, duties and shipping costs

[0078] Past purchases for identical components

[0079] Historical transactions for similar components

[0080] Seller's see:

[0081] All Pricing in Chart Form

[0082] Buyer's complete Profile

[0083] Buyers Web site

[0084] Buyer's Quality Rating

[0085] Buyer's “Best Value” Criteria

[0086] Links to determine tariffs, duties and shipping costs

[0087] Historical transactions for similar components

[0088] The Pricing Chart is Updated Dynamically as Bids are received byRFQsolutions

[0089] A pricing calculator is provided to aid in pricing calculations

[0090] “X” percent higher than lowest bid

[0091] “X” percent lower than lowest bid

[0092] “X” percent higher than seller's last bid

[0093] “X” percent lower than seller's last bid

[0094] Direct entry of Price

[0095] As shown in FIG. 28, all competitor bid prices are shown. Bidprices can easily be entered and can be updated by Sellers right up tothe time of Bid Closing. Advantageously, the main system clock is thereference for time worldwide to avoid confusion. Advantageously, a pricecalculator is provided to make price updates effortless. Prices can becalculated above and below the then lowest bid price. Prices can also beentered directly.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 29, Buyers also have real time price dataavailable for each RFQ. Buyers also have real time price data availablefor each RFQ. Buyers additionally have access to all bid detail. Detailsfor all bids are listed and ranked by a number of parameters including;Price, Best Value, Quality Rating, Delivery Rating, Price Rating andGeographic Location. Links are provided to the Seller Profile and SellerWeb site to aid in purchase decisions.

[0097] As illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31, Buyers and Sellers areencouraged to rate each other at the conclusion of each transaction.Buyers are rated as to Quick Pay, Slow Pay, Pay per Terms, and Qualityof Experience. Sellers are rated as to Quality, Delivery, Landed Price,and Quality of Experience.

[0098] The Buyer can select “Best Value” Weighting Criteria for:

[0099] Quality Rating

[0100] Delivery Rating

[0101] Landed Price Rating

[0102] Quality of Experience Rating

[0103] Best Value is used to rank seller quotations. Rankings include:

[0104] Pricing Only

[0105] Seller Country, and Price Only

[0106] Seller Country, and Best Value Rating

[0107] Best Value Rating

[0108] Quality Rating

[0109] Delivery Rating

[0110] Landed Price Rating

[0111] Quality of Experience Rating

[0112] Seller can view the Buyer “Best Value” Criteria during the bidprocess.

[0113] The historical transaction database provides detailed informationon:

[0114] World Trade

[0115] Shifts in Purchasing Trends

[0116] Global Manufacturing

[0117] Worldwide Pricing

[0118] Activity & Capabilities

[0119] Purchasing Data by:

[0120] Country: Day, Week, Month, Year

[0121] Industry: Day, Week, Month, Year

[0122]FIG. 32 is a flow chart illustrating use of the RFQ HistoricalDatabase 152 by Sellers for locating Buyers of similar components. TheRFQ Historical Database 152 can also be used by Buyers to locate Sellersof similar components as shown in FIG. 34.

[0123] Both Sellers and Buyers can advantageously use the RFQ HistoricalDatabase for reviewing global historical pricing for similar components.See FIGS. 33 and 35.

[0124] Another feature of this invention is that it assists its memberSellers to compete in the global economy. Thus, unsuccessful Sellers whohave bid on RFQs are subsequently notified with certain informationrelating to the contract award decision as illustrated by the flow chartof FIG. 42. Advantageously, member Sellers are notified by e-mail and arecord is available at the system web site indicating the factorsinfluencing the Buyer's decision listed in FIG. 42, including quality,delivery, price and geography.

[0125] Another advantage of the invention is that it promotes buildingtrust relationships between Buyers and Sellers. Thus, as illustrated inFIG. 43, the system provides very detailed information about itsmembership. Advantageously, the Member Profile provides a standardizedview of each member company, with links to the member's Web site andquality rating.

[0126] An additional feature of this invention, illustrated by the flowchart of FIG. 44, is that the UCI Database 150 enables the membercompany to provide advertising to only those members who meet veryspecific criteria. By way of specific example, in the case of a machineshop, the system can limit advertising to only those member companiesthat have a certain type and model of equipment.

[0127] Referring to the flow chart shown in FIG. 45, the systemadvantageously includes a Member Usage History Database 160 to trackmember usage including:

[0128] Track number of days logged on

[0129] Track number of RFQs posted

[0130] Track number of RFQs Bid

[0131] Track use of added value components

[0132] Track types of advertising viewed

[0133] Such usage history may be used in further marketing efforts andfor tracking system effectiveness and development of new features.

[0134] The preferred embodiments of the invention advantageously requirethat certain member data must be verified before the Buyer is allowed topost an RFQ or a Seller is allowed to bid. The flow chart of FIG. 46illustrates a preferred system for making this check automatically.

[0135] The flow chart of FIG. 47 illustrates a system for tracking allcurrent members, past members as well as past members who participatedin a trial membership program. This information is stored in themembership database 154. This system allows for providing access on afree or a lower fee basis for an initial trial basis and also precludesa member from continuously trying the system on a trial basis.

[0136] The “Don't Show Feature” of FIG. 23 is used to minimize datapresented to the user each time he/she views “Available RFQs.” A “Don'tShow this RFQ Again”0 check box is displayed with each “available RFQ.”The system database stores this information so that the next time theuser views “Available RFQs,” all RFQs with the “Don't Show” Featurechecked will not be shown. This feature significantly reduces visualclutter for the user.

[0137] Chat Rooms are advantageously made available to share technicalinformation and provide access to industry experts for problem solving.

[0138] Advantageously, the system automatically tracks the member'sprofile so that if a profile hasn't been updated in a predeterminedpassage of time, the member is contacted.

[0139] Representative industries that will benefit from this inventioninclude:

[0140] Aerospace/Aircraft

[0141] Agricultural

[0142] Appliance

[0143] Automation

[0144] Automotive (OEM)

[0145] Automotive (Tier I)

[0146] Business Mach./Equip.

[0147] Chemical

[0148] Computer

[0149] Construction

[0150] Consumer Electronics

[0151] Consumer Packaged Goods

[0152] Consumer Products

[0153] Contract Manufacturing

[0154] Controls

[0155] Durable Goods

[0156] Electronic/Electric

[0157] Energy

[0158] Engineering

[0159] Exploration/Production

[0160] Fabricated Metal Industry

[0161] Food

[0162] General Retail

[0163] Hydraulic/Pneumatic

[0164] Industrial Systems/Controls

[0165] Industrial/Commercial

[0166] Machinery/Equipment

[0167] Instrumental

[0168] (Measure/Control/Test/Analyze)

[0169] Lighting

[0170] Manufacturing/Industrial

[0171] Medical Equipment

[0172] Medical/Healthcare

[0173] Metals

[0174] Military/Defense

[0175] Mining Equipment

[0176] Mold Makers

[0177] Nuclear

[0178] OEM

[0179] Optical Components

[0180] Packaging

[0181] Paper/Paperboard

[0182] Petroleum

[0183] Plastics

[0184] Power Generation

[0185] Primary Metal Industry

[0186] Recreational +

[0187] Semiconductor

[0188] Service

[0189] Telecommunications

[0190] Textile

[0191] Tool & Die

[0192] Transportation Equipment

[0193] Utilities

[0194] Wood/Furniture

[0195] Representative specific markets that will benefit from thisinvention include:

[0196] Precision Machined Products

[0197] Manufacturers (Primary Function—Buyer)

[0198] Machinery Manufacturers

[0199] Machine Tool Manufacturers

[0200] Steel Manufacturers

[0201] Tubular Manufacturers

[0202] Valve Manufacturers

[0203] Fastener Manufacturers

[0204] Aerospace Manufacturers

[0205] Machinery & Equipment Manufacturers

[0206] Implement Manufacturers

[0207] Builders Hardware Manufacturers

[0208] Loading & Elevating Equipment Manufacturers

[0209] Power Generating Equipment Manufacturers

[0210] Machine Tool Manufacturers

[0211] Equipment Manufacturers (agricultural, construction, forestry,materials handling & utility equipment)

[0212] Valves & Actuators Manufacturers

[0213] Safety Equipment Manufacturers

[0214] Builders Hardware Manufacturers

[0215] Agricultural Equipment Manufacturers

[0216] Barbecue Manufacturers

[0217] Marine Equipment Manufacturers

[0218] Can Manufacturers

[0219] Cleaning Equipment Manufacturers

[0220] Home Appliance Manufacturers

[0221] Office Furniture Manufacturers

[0222] Health Industry Manufacturers

[0223] Manufacturers of Emission Controls

[0224] Primary Metal Industries

[0225] Fabricated Metal Products

[0226] Industrial & Commercial Machinery Manufacturers

[0227] Transportation Equipment Manufacturers

[0228] Air & Gas Compressor Manufacturers

[0229] General Purpose Machinery manufacturing

[0230] Machine Tool Accessory Manufacturing

[0231] Fluid Power Cylinder and Actuator Manufacturing

[0232] Fluid Power Pump & Motor Manufacturing

[0233] Fluid Power Valve & Hose Fitting Manufacturing

[0234] Industrial Pattern Manufacturing

[0235] Industrial Truck, Tractor, Trailer and Stacker MachineryManufacturing

[0236] Industrial Valve Manufacturing

[0237] Marking Device Manufacturing

[0238] Measuring and Dispensing Pump Manufacturing

[0239] Pump Manufacturing

[0240] Oil & Gas Field machinery and Equipment Manufacturing

[0241] Valve & Pipe Fitting Manufacturing

[0242] Metal Working Machinery Manufacturing

[0243] Packaging Machinery Manufacturing

[0244] Plastics & Rubber Industry Machinery Manufacturing

[0245] Paper Industry Machinery Manufacturing

[0246] Printing Machinery & Equipment Manufacturing

[0247] Pump & Pumping Equipment Manufacturing

[0248] Sawmill & Woodworking Machinery Manufacturing

[0249] Scale & Balance Manufacturing

[0250] Die & Tool, Die Set, Jig, and Fixture Manufacturing

[0251] Spring Manufacturing

[0252] Textile Machinery Manufacturing

[0253] Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

[0254] Construction Equipment Manufacturing

[0255] Hardware Manufacturing

[0256] Mechanical Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing

[0257] Mining Machinery & Equipment Manufacturing

[0258] Motor & Generator Manufacturing

[0259] Semiconductor machinery Equipment Manufacturing

[0260] Institutional Furniture Manufacturing

[0261] Precision Machined Products (Continued)

[0262] Manufacturers (Primary Function—Seller/Buyer)

[0263] Precision Manufacturing

[0264] Gear Manufacturers

[0265] Metal Forming

[0266] Fluid Power

[0267] Metal Stamping

[0268] Metal Fabricators

[0269] Machined Products

[0270] Tooling and Machining

[0271] Metal Fabrications

[0272] Precision Machined Products

[0273] Precision Metal Forming

[0274] Tooling & Manufacturing

[0275] Paint and Coatings

[0276] Metal Finishing

[0277] Metal Working

[0278] Precision Machining

[0279] Honing

[0280] Water Cut Equipment

[0281] General Machining

[0282] Fabricators

[0283] Sheet Metal Fabricators

[0284] Stamping

[0285] Fine Blanking

[0286] Rolled Steel Products

[0287] Screw Machine Shops

[0288] Notching Equipment

[0289] Thread Rolling

[0290] Heading

[0291] Cold Forging

[0292] Inspection Services

[0293] Heat Treat; Conditioning

[0294] Tool & Die

[0295] Tool & Die

[0296] EDM Shops

[0297] Injection Molds

[0298] Mold Builders

[0299] Abrasive Machining

[0300] O.D. Grinding

[0301] I.D. Grinding

[0302] Centerless Grinding

[0303] Jig Grinding

[0304] Lapping

[0305] Primary Materials

[0306] Foundries

[0307] Metal Casting

[0308] Die Casting

[0309] Rotational Molders

[0310] Sintered Metal Manufacturers

[0311] Powder Metallurgy Part Manufacturing

[0312] Forging

[0313] Cast Metals

[0314] Investment Casting

[0315] Metal Casting

[0316] Sand Casting

[0317] Extrusion

What is claimed is:
 1. The method of providing an efficient worldwidesourcing services comprising: storing a comprehensive database formanufacturing companies worldwide including their sales volumes, processcapability and markets serviced; receiving a request for quote (RFQ)which includes the buyer's requirements for the seller, contractspecifications and drawings and specifications of the component to bemanufactured; automatically selecting from said database those sellershaving the specific capability to manufacture said component;automatically transmitting said list of potential sellers to said buyerof said component for buyer's selection and deselecting said sellers;enabling the selected sellers to review online all open RFQ's and enterbids; and storing historical transactions between buyers and sellersincluding RFQ's from buyers and bids from sellers.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, including receiving from buyers their ratings about sellers andreceiving from sellers their ratings about buyers of buyers.
 3. Themethod of claim 2, wherein buyers are rated by sellers as to Quick Pay,Show Pay, Pay Per Terms and Quality of Experience.
 4. The method ofclaim 2, wherein sellers are rated by buyers as to Quality,Delivery/Landed Price and Quality of Experience.
 5. The method of claim1, including online locating of buyers of similar components.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, including online location of sellers of similarcomponents.
 7. The method of claim 1, comprising transmitting tounsuccessful bidders information about the buyer's decision includingquality, delivery, price and geography.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein said buyer's request for quote (RFQ) includes photographs of thecomponent to be manufactured.
 9. The method of providing an efficientworldwide sourcing services comprising: storing a comprehensive databasefor manufacturing companies worldwide including their sales volumes,process capability and markets serviced; receiving a request for quote(RFQ) which includes the buyer's requirements for the seller, contractspecifications and drawings and specifications of the component to bemanufactured; automatically selecting from said database those sellershaving the specific capability to manufacture said component;automatically transmitting said list of potential sellers to said buyerof said component for buyer's selection and deselecting said sellers;enabling the selected sellers to review online all open RFQ's and enterbids; and transmitting to unsuccessful bidders information influencingthe buyer's decision including quality, delivery, price and geography.10. The method of providing an efficient worldwide sourcing servicescomprising: storing a comprehensive database for manufacturing companiesworldwide; receiving requests for quote which include the Buyer'srequirement criteria for the seller; automatically selecting from saiddatabase those sellers matching the buyer's requirement criteria;sending said list of potential sellers to said buyers of said componentfor buyer's selection and deselecting said sellers; and enabling theselected sellers to review online all open RFQ's.
 11. A system forautomated sourcing comprising: a database storing detailed informationabout a plurality of manufacturing sellers; a server computer connectedto the World Wide Web storing a buyer's RFQ including a description ofthe component to be manufactured, said server limiting online access tosaid description to only automatically selected sellers; and a computercoupled to said database and said server computer comparing the seller'scapabilities with a buyer's RFQ criteria.